Peter Murrell Faces Embezzlement Charges Over £459,000 from SNP
Former Chief Executive of the Scottish National Party (SNP), Peter Murrell, is at the centre of a significant legal development, facing allegations of embezzling a substantial sum of £459,000 from the party over a period spanning more than 12 years. The details of the charges against Murrell, who is also the estranged husband of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, have been revealed through a copy of an indictment seen by BBC News.
The Allegations Unveiled
According to the legal document, Murrell is accused of illicitly obtaining and misusing party funds between August 2010 and January 2023. The indictment outlines a series of alleged personal purchases made with SNP money, including luxury goods, jewellery, cosmetics, two cars, and a motorhome. These revelations follow an extensive police investigation into the SNP's finances, known as Operation Branchform.
A Detailed Indictment
The indictment details specific instances of alleged misappropriation. Among the most significant claims is the purchase of a motorhome for £124,550, allegedly for Murrell's personal use, from a dealership in Staffordshire. The document further alleges that Murrell created false documentation to disguise this purchase as a legitimate party expense.
Further accusations include the use of £57,500 of SNP funds towards the acquisition of an £81,000 Jaguar I-PACE car in 2019. The indictment claims that an invoice was falsified to conceal the true nature of this transaction. When the Jaguar was later sold in 2021, it is alleged that over £47,000 was deposited directly into Murrell's personal bank account.
The alleged embezzlement extends to other vehicle purchases as well. Murrell is also accused of taking £16,489 from the SNP as partial payment for a £33,000 Volkswagen Golf purchased in Newbridge, Edinburgh, in 2016. These allegations paint a picture of a systematic misuse of party resources over an extended period.
Wider Scope of Alleged Purchases
Beyond the high-value vehicle purchases, the indictment lists over 80 retail outlets where Murrell allegedly made personal purchases totalling more than £159,000 between December 2014 and 2022. These retailers include well-known names such as Harrods, the Royal Mint, John Lewis, Homebase, and Argos. The allegations suggest that these purchases were made using SNP-issued credit or charge cards, with subsequent insertion of "false or inaccurate accounting codes and descriptions" into the party's financial records.
Additionally, the indictment claims that Murrell made purchases exceeding £81,600 through the online retail giant Amazon, using the same alleged methods of misrepresenting expenses. These extensive claims highlight the breadth of the alleged financial misconduct.
Legal Proceedings Underway
Peter Murrell, who served as SNP chief executive for 22 years, was arrested in 2023 as part of Operation Branchform, the police investigation into the party's funding and finances. He was formally charged with embezzlement in April 2024.
Murrell made an initial appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court last year, where he entered no plea and was granted bail. He is now due to appear at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, February 20th, for a preliminary hearing in the case. It is important to note that indictment papers are subject to change throughout the judicial process and up until the accused formally appears in court.
Nicola Sturgeon's Involvement
During the course of Operation Branchform, Nicola Sturgeon, Murrell's former spouse, was also questioned by detectives. However, police have since confirmed that she is no longer under investigation. The couple announced their separation in January 2025, following their marriage in 2010.
The ongoing legal proceedings against Peter Murrell represent a significant moment for the SNP and Scottish politics. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have implications for the party and its internal governance.
